Introduction
The Pet Industry Awards (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information when you interact with the Pet Industry Awards website, submit entries, cast votes, purchase tickets, participate in events or contact us.
The Pet Industry Awards are organised by Best Friends Pet Co L.L.C-FZ.
 
1. Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following information:

Information you provide directly

• Name

• Business name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Country or region

• Billing information

• Entry submissions and uploaded materials

• Sponsorship enquiries

• Ticket purchase details

• Voting information
   

Information collected automatically

• IP address

• Browser type and device information

• Website usage data

• Cookies and analytics data

• Referral sources and pages visited
   

2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:

• Process awards entries and registrations

• Administer public voting

• Communicate important awards updates

• Process payments and ticket purchases

• Respond to enquiries and customer support requests

• Promote finalists, sponsors and winners

• Improve our website, systems and user experience

• Detect fraudulent or suspicious voting activity

• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
   

3. Public Voting & Fair Use
To help maintain fair voting practices, we may use cookies, IP monitoring, browser tracking and other anti-fraud measures to detect suspicious or automated voting activity.
We reserve the right to remove votes or restrict access where fraudulent behaviour is suspected.

4. Marketing Communications
We may send awards-related communications, updates, promotional announcements and event information to users who have submitted entries, made enquiries or opted into communications.
You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the unsubscribe link included in communications.

5. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell personal information to third parties.
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers where necessary to operate the awards, including:

• Payment processors

• Ticketing providers

• Awards platform providers

• Website hosting providers

• Email marketing systems

• Event venues and operational partners

Information may also be shared where required by law or to protect the integrity of the awards.

6. Use of Logos, Images & Submitted Content
By entering the awards, entrants grant permission for the Pet Industry Awards to use submitted business names, logos, images, videos and entry content for promotional, editorial, marketing and awards-related purposes across digital, print and social media channels.
Entrants confirm they have the necessary rights to any materials submitted.

7. Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve website performance

• Analyse traffic and visitor behaviour

• Remember preferences

• Support voting integrity and fraud prevention

Users may disable cookies through their browser settings, although some website functionality may be affected.

8. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary for awards administration, legal obligations, operational purposes and legitimate business interests.

9. Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to help protect personal information from unauthorised access, misuse, disclosure or loss.
However, no online platform or transmission method can be guaranteed completely secure.

10. International Users
The Pet Industry Awards operates internationally, including editions in the UAE and UK. By using our website or services, you acknowledge that information may be processed and stored in different countries where our service providers operate.

11. Your Rights
Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have rights relating to your personal data, including:

• Request access to your data

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request deletion of your data

• Withdraw consent to marketing communications

• Object to certain processing activities

Requests may be submitted using the contact details below.

12. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, platforms or ticketing providers. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.

13. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update or amend this Privacy Policy at any time. Updated versions will be published on the website with the revised effective date.